Bubble–bubble interaction in aqueous β-Lactoglobulin solutions

The recently described new experimental tool called Drop and Bubble Micro Manipulator (DBMM) has been applied to studies of the stability of protein covered bubbles against coalescence. Among the available protocols the time interval between the moment of bubble contact to the moment of coalescence of two contacting bubble is determined for different β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) concentrations and different ageing times. A threshold concentration of BLG is needed to prevent immediate coalescence. The longer the ageing time above this threshold concentration of BLG is the longer is the lifetime of the liquid film between the bubbles. The adsorbed amount of BLG was determined as a function of time and concentration and correlates with the observed coalescence behaviour of the contacting bubbles.

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